Is It Possible to Get Too Much Exercise?

For most people, including children
and teens, the challenge is to get enough physical activity. However, excessive
exercise and overtraining, often coupled with restrictive eating, can be a
problem, especially for some female athletes and dancers, as well as girls who
become obsessive about weight loss. Overtraining, like eating disorders, can
result in decreased estrogen and eventually lead to thin bones that break
easily.

Years ago, it was not unusual for coaches and trainers to encourage athletes
to be as thin as possible for many sports, including dancing, gymnastics, figure
skating, running, and diving. Fortunately, many coaches now realize that being
too thin is unhealthy and can negatively affect performance as well as lifelong
health.

What Else Can My Kids Do Besides Eating Calcium-Rich Foods and Getting Plenty
of Weight-Bearing Exercise to Keep Their Bones Healthy?

They should avoid
smoking. You probably know that smoking is bad for the heart and lungs, but you
may not know that it's harmful to bone tissue. Smoking may harm your bones both
directly and indirectly. Several studies have linked smoking to higher risk of
fracture. The many dangers associated with smoking make it a habit to be
avoided.

You may think it's too early to worry about smoking, but the habit typically
starts during childhood or adolescence. In fact, most people who use tobacco
products start before they finish high school. The good news? If your kids
finish high school as nonsmokers, they will probably stay that way for life.

Children who learn good eating and exercise habits by their preteen years are
more likely to carry these habits with them for the rest of their lives.